Nearly 12-foot alligator kills man fishing at Winter Garden park
An alligator killed a 71-year-old man who was fishing at a park in Winter Garden, Florida, on Friday, WKMG News 6 and WESH 2 reported. Rescuers could not go into the pond at first because several gators were active, the fire chief said. A trapper later removed the gator, which was nearly 12 feet long.
An alligator killed a 71-year-old man who was fishing at a park in Winter Garden, Florida, on Friday, WKMG News 6 and WESH 2 reported. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified him as Steven Hamilton, WESH 2 reported. WKMG also identified the victim as Steven Hamilton, 71.
The attack happened at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, near Lake Apopka, WESH 2 reported. Fire Chief Jose Gainza said the man was fishing on the shoreline and was pulled in, according to WKMG. Police said the attack happened around 5 p.m., WKMG reported. Winter Garden Police Capt. Michael Mason said the man was fishing on the shore of a retention pond near the lake, according to WESH 2.
Rescuers could not go into the water at first because the pond was "fully active" with several alligators, Gainza said, according to WKMG. Gainza said rescue swimmers tried to reach the body by other means, WESH 2 reported. The man was reportedly in the water for an hour, WKMG reported. Firefighters later pulled his body from the water, WESH 2 reported.
Mason said the alligator was "dispatched" by state wildlife agents, according to WKMG. The gator was nearly 12 feet long, WKMG and WESH 2 reported. "A contracted nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to the scene, and an 11' 8'' alligator was removed from the area," the commission said in a statement, according to WESH 2. WESH 2's helicopter filmed trappers who appeared to kill an alligator and pull it from the water, the station reported.
"The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time," the commission said, according to WKMG and WESH 2. Serious injuries from alligators are rare in Florida, the commission said, according to WKMG and WESH 2.
"Lake Apopka has tons of alligators in it, so that's not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town at all," Mason said, according to WESH 2. Winter Garden police urged people fishing or walking near water, especially around Lake Apopka, to stay aware and keep a safe distance from wildlife, according to WKMG.
Police and the commission are investigating the attack together and asked any witnesses to come forward, WESH 2 reported.
What we know: A 71-year-old man died after an alligator attacked him while he was fishing at a Winter Garden park, and a trapper removed the gator.
What we don't: How long the alligator had been in the pond, and whether the park will change its rules.
Where outlets agree WKMG News 6 and WESH 2 report that a nearly 12-foot alligator killed a 71-year-old man who was fishing at a Winter Garden park.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.